Joyce Keyak

Research:

Dr. Keyak pioneered a technique for rapidly creating patient-specific structural engineering models (finite element models) of the hip. This technique and variations of it are now used around the world to study bone. Dr. Keyak's current research often relies on this modeling technique and is directed toward improving the lives of patients with bone disease.

A major focus of this research is to develop non-invasive methods for estimating bone strength and assessing fracture risk for patients with osteoporosis or other pathological conditions. The tools used for predicting bone strength may also help improve our understanding of bone fracture and may lead to the development of methods for preventing it. This work has carried over to other areas of orthopaedic research, including the effect of radiation and spaceflight on bone, design and analysis of prosthetic implants, and the study of bone remodeling. Dr. Keyak is also involved with the UC Irvine Space Cycle and is investigating the effect of simulated hypergravity on bone (http://spacecycle.hs.uci.edu).

Dr. Keyak is also developing minimally invasive techniques for treating bones with metastatic tumors from breast, prostate, lung, or other cancers. Special techniques used in this research include quantitative computed tomography for non-invasive collection of geometry and material property data, automated generation of finite element models, and mechanical testing of whole bones. Dr. Keyak is currently developing a new method of radiation therapy for bone with metastatic tumors and is working with a start-up company, Bone-Rad Therapeutics, Inc. (http://www.bone-rad.com), to bring this treatment to market.